Bangladesh police arrest four militants for murder of English professor

RAJSHAHI, Bangladesh, May 17 (UPI) -- Four militant Islamists have been arrested for the killing of a Rajshahi University professor last month.

Rezaul Karim Siddiquee, 58, was hacked to death on his way to work on April 23.

"Of the four, three were directly involved in the attack while the other was waiting with a motorcycle," Rajshahi metro police commissioner Md Shamsuddin said at a media briefing.

Maskawath Hasan, alias Sakib alias Abdullah, was arrested in Bogra on Sunday night.

Shamsuddin said three unidentified men were arrested Monday in Rajshahi city after Abdullah named them in a confession in court Monday afternoon.

All four were associated with the banned Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh.

"Abdullah took part in the killing. The others, who have been arrested, are also JMB activists. They provided help and logistic support," he told reporters at his office.

Four people, including a leader of Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student front of the Jamaat-e-Islami, have been arrested for the murder. The student was interrogated hours after the slaying.

Siddiquee was attacked by two men on a motorcycle about 50 yards from his home while waiting for a bus to the university, witnesses said.

The Islamic State, also known as known as IS, ISIS, ISIL and Daesh, has claimed responsibility for the killing.

A statement from ISIS says the professor was killed because of his "calling to atheism."

But according to his daughter, Rizwana Hasin, 23, he was not an atheist.

Siddiquee participated in cultural activities and wanted to open a music school in nearby Bagmara.

"He loved music. A concept is growing in Bangladesh these days that those who are interested in music, culture, are not believers in religion," she told CNN.